Effects of lycopene on the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system in premenopausal breast cancer survivors and women at high familial breast cancer risk.

Abstract

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is an important growth factor associated with increased risk of premenopausal breast cancer. We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial to evaluate whether tomato-derived lycopene supplementation (30 mg/day for 2 mo) decreases serum levels of total IGF-I in premenopausal women with 1) a history of breast cancer (n=24) or 2) a high familial breast cancer risk (n=36). Also, IGF binding protein (IGFBP) increasing effects were evaluated. Lycopene supplementation did not significantly alter serum total IGF-I and other IGF system components in the 2 study populations combined. However, statistically significant discordant results were observed between the 2 study populations (i.e., P<0.05 for total IGF-I, free IGF-I, and IGFBP-3). Total IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were increased in the breast cancer survivor population [total IGF-I=7.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI)= -0.2 to 14.3%; IGFBP-3=3.3%, 95% CI=0.7-6.0%), and free IGF-I was decreased in the family history population (-7.6%, 95% CI= -14.6 to -0.6%). This randomized controlled trial shows that 2 mo of lycopene supplementation has no effect on serum total IGF-I in the overall study population. However, lycopene effects were discordant between the 2 study populations showing beneficial effects in high-risk healthy women but not in breast cancer survivors.

• Authors: Dorien W Voskuil, Alina Vrieling, Catharina M Korse, Jos H Beijnen, Johannes M G Bonfrer, Jaap van Doorn, Reinie Kaas, Hester S A Oldenburg, Nicola S Russell, Emiel J T Rutgers, Senno Verhoef, Flora E van Leeuwen, Laura J van't Veer, Matti A Rookus
• Journal: Nutrition and cancer (Nutr Cancer) Vol. 60 Issue 3 Pg. 342-53 ( 2008) ISSN: 0163-5581 [Print] United States
• PMID: 18444168 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3
• Somatomedins
• Carotenoids
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
• Lycopene

Topics

• Adult
• Breast Neoplasms (etiology, genetics, mortality)
• Carotenoids (pharmacology)
• Cross-Over Studies
• Dietary Supplements
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Genetic Predisposition to Disease
• Humans
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 (blood, metabolism)
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (metabolism)
• Lycopene
• Middle Aged
• Premenopause
• Risk Factors
• Somatomedins (metabolism)